Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Padres fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
San Diego Padres fans were asked how they would rate the San Diego offseason on a Padres Reacts Survey on Jan. 13. The majority of respondents – 59 percent – said the offseason for the Padres was worse than expected, followed by about as expected – 36 percent – and better than expected – five percent.
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Since that poll from Gaslamp Ball, San Diego has made several additions to the roster, but none of the additions were headline deals. Instead, Padres president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller has been adding to the roster with one-year major league deals and multiple minor league deals with invites to Spring Training.
Pessimists will say Preller is dumpster diving and hoping to find someone salvageable, especially among the pitchers. Optimists will say Preller has an eye for talent and the combination of ability with the tutelage of pitching coach Ruben Niebla is bound to deliver at least one success story from the group. For the Friar Faithful who find themselves between the two groups, the wait and see approach allows them to bide their time before passing judgement.
The position player additions have been perceived in largely the same manner. Miguel Andujar was largely thought to be a good signing, but there are questions about his role on defense. The big-name addition, Nick Castellanos who was signed for the major league minimum after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies, has had a lukewarm reception due to clubhouse concerns and declining numbers. Ty France, who was recently signed to a minor league deal, is known for his defense, but has not had much success at the plate.
Perhaps the biggest move of the offseason came Monday when the Padres announced a multi-year extension for Preller to remain with the team following the 2026 season. Like the players, this move will be and has been discussed positively and negatively among the fans, but it would seem based on their comments the players are in full support of Preller and what he has accomplished to this point in San Diego.
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With all that said, this week’s Padres Reacts Survey wants to know if your opinion of the offseason has changed with the various moves that have taken place since the previous poll. Results will be revealed later this week.